Worried a child is suffering from domestic abuse
The physical, psychological and emotional effects of domestic violence on children can be severe and long-lasting. They can vary depending on their age, gender or the frequency and type of violence they're witnessing.
Signs a child is suffering from domestic abuse
Some signs that are commonly seen with children experiencing and witnessing domestic abuse include:
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and flashbacks of violent incidents.
- Easily startled.
- Complaining of physical symptoms such as tummy aches.
- Wetting their bed.
- Temper tantrums, aggression, anger or confusion.
- Suffering from depression, stress or anxiety.
- Attachment or protectiveness towards the non-abusing parent.
- Poor self-esteem, shyness or withdrawal from contact with people.
- Behaving as though they're much younger than they are.
- Difficulties at schools with learning and behaviour, rebellion against authority figures.
- Playing truant or using alcohol or drugs.
- Self-harming, for example taking overdoses, cutting themselves, under-eating.
- Forming inappropriate relationships or friendships.
- Finding it difficult to communicate or express their feelings.
- Resenting the non-abusing parent for putting up with the abuse or not standing up for themselves.
Get help for domestic violence and abuse